Panthers sign RW Alex Kovalev

SUNRISE — As expected, the Panthers announced the signing of veteran right wing Alex Kovalev to a one-year deal worth about $1 million plus potential bonuses.

Kovalev, 39, has 428 career goals in 1,302 games with the Rangers, Penguins, Canadiens and Senators over an 18-year career. He came to training camp on a PTO or tryout arrangement. The combination of injuries to forwards Sean Bergenheim and Marcel Goc, along with the Panthers finishing 27th in scoring last season made it an easy decision for General Manager Dale Tallon.

"Alex is a veteran player with great skill and vision who we are pleased to have signed," Tallon said. "He is a talented forward with playmaking abilities, who has experienced success both at the National Hockey League level and in international competition. We look forward to his contributions to our club both on and off the ice."

Kovalev, who played in his homeland Russia's KHL last season before a knee injury put him on the sideline, is on the Panthers' second line with rookie left wing Jonathan Huberdea and center Peter Mueller.

Kovalev, a three-time NHL All-Star, has 100 points in 123 postseason games and was on the Rangers Stanley Cup championship team in 1993-94.